Rescue and relief operations are in full swing in central Nigeria after devastating flash floods killed at least 151 people earlier this week, displaced more than 3,000 residents, and destroyed over 250 homes in the town of Mokwa, Niger State.
According to Ibrahim Audu Husseini, spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, the death toll sharply rose from earlier estimates as more bodies were recovered—some nearly 10 kilometers away from the epicenter. Many people remain missing, including members of a family of 12, and the toll is expected to rise as search teams, aided by security forces, continue their efforts along the powerful Niger River.
President Bola Tinubu announced that search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, with the deployment of relief materials and temporary shelter to affected communities. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigerian Red Cross, local volunteers, military, and police are all involved in the response.
The flooding, triggered by torrential rains from late Wednesday into Thursday, caused buildings to collapse, roads to be inundated, and two bridges to be washed away. Survivors described harrowing escapes and significant losses. One resident, Mohammed Tanko, recounted losing 15 family members and all his property, while others searched through debris for missing loved ones.
NEMA and local authorities have highlighted that poor infrastructure, building on waterways, and blocked drainage channels worsened the disaster. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had issued warnings of possible flash floods in 15 states, including Niger, just days before the tragedy.
Nigeria’s rainy season is just beginning, and flooding is an annual threat, often exacerbated by climate change and inadequate urban planning. In 2024, floods killed over 1,200 people and displaced 1.2 million across 31 states, making it one of the worst seasons in recent memory.
Authorities are urging residents to heed warnings, avoid building on waterways, and keep drainage channels clear to prevent further tragedies.
